Halifax hospital staff, patients ‘suffering from heat exhaustion,’ says union leader – CBC

Several floors have no air conditioning, causing sweltering conditions during hot spells: NSGEU

Aug 03, 2022

The temperature in the Victoria General hospital in Halifax is reaching 30 C in some parts of the aging building, leading to heat exhaustion among staff and uncomfortable conditions for patients, says the union representing nurses at the facility.

The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union is calling for an emergency fix to make conditions more bearable in the building, which doesn’t have air conditioning on every floor.

“Patients who are laying in a hospital bed cannot get away from that heat. They cannot move. It’s not acceptable,” said union president Sandra Mullen.

Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures in the mid to high 20s in Halifax this week, with the humidex on Wednesday expected to hit 35. Heat warnings issued for mainland Nova Scotia late last month advised people to watch for signs of heat stroke and dehydration.

Halifax hospital staff, patients ‘suffering from heat exhaustion,’ says union leader – CBC

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